Page 53 of A Drop of Anguish
“V’Rta.”
One of his brows quirks. “Interesting choice.” He smiles big and wide. He’s handsome and charming, if I’m entirely honest.
“I’ve heard it before but don’t know when or how. I don’t think I even knew it was Orizian.”
“Well, it simply means choice, or chosen, depending on context.”
My brow pinch. “That’s it? No deeper meaning?”
“That is indeed it, but that does not mean there isn’t a deeper meaning.”
“Are you being purposefully vague?” I accuse, half-annoyed, half-amused.
He smiles. “To be honest, that one word could be an entire study. It is indeed just a word with a simple definition, but it also signifies a very important rite of passage to royal demons in Oriziah. Culturally, it is quite significant. In fact, that’s what my lecture was about—rites of passage for young Orizians of the royal race.”
My stomach twists with emotions I can’t define. “Any chance I could get that lecture in English?” I ask hopefully.
“Generally, I’d say it would be a pointless endeavor. A human needn’t learn about demon rites of passage, unless they intend to spend time in Oriziah. Young royal demons are kept quite secluded from the outside world. You are one of the few on Earth who can say they’ve spent more than moments around young demons.”
“I spent two entire summers with the princes,” I say.
“An extremely rare honor.” He bows his head.
“I didn’t realize,” I say again, vaguely annoyed. “Is that because it’s not safe?”
“Not at all. Orizian royals have impeccable control over their baser instincts, except in a few rare circumstances. As adolescents, they have little magic, so the risk is low. Once their shifting abilities manifest, it can get more interesting, but so long as they’re closely monitored, they are generally considered safe.”
Generally. He uses that word a lot. Like I’m some kind of exception. Is he trying to say what happened with Jarron and Liz was an anomaly?
“So, the word means chosen. Does it have to do with their chosen mates?”
His eyes flare slightly. “Indeed it does. And I’m afraid I should say no more on the matter.”
“Why?”
“Because it is a sacred and sensitive topic. Perhaps you can ask Prince Jarron more about it.”
I recognize the words as the dismissal they are. He begins erasing the words from the board quickly. I almost wish I’d taken a picture so I could study the whole thing, but it’s too late for that now.
“Wait, I have one more question if you wouldn’t mind?”
He sighs and stops his erasing to face me once more.
“There are rumors about Jarron’s demon soul splitting or something? I was wondering if there is an actual precedence for that?”
Professor Zyair takes in a long breath. “You stretch the boundaries of propriety, Candice. But I also appreciate your situation and your concern. I have also heard the rumors. From everything I have seen and can tell, Jarron is simply going through a transition period. People from all different walks of life and worlds have internal conflicts all the time. He is a powerful being that is dealing with and balancing a lot of emotions, and in that way, he is acting in a very understandable manner. He is not at risk of blowing up the school anytime soon.”
I huff out a bitter laugh. That’s not my actual concern. “But is he okay?”
Professor Zyair’s gaze softens. “That, I cannot tell you. He… This is his personal journey that he must work through on his own.”
Disappointment drops into my belly. No answers at all, just more vague puzzle pieces. I mumble a thank-you and then head out to my next class.
24
A Missing Chapter
My anxiety doesn’t decrease at the end of classes when I look out the window and notice black clouds hovering over the school. I want to talk to Jarron, now for several reasons. I’m just not exactly sure how.
